Kn is the actual weight divided by the expected weight at the measured length, with the expected weight calculated as the long term Louisiana typical weight at a given length. Kn is computed for each specimen based on the species, season, and length. The mean Kn is shown in the graph. A mean Kn of 1.00 would mean that the fish have (on average) the expected plumpness. Mean Kn above 1.00 shows plumper than expected fish (eating well). Mean Kn below 1.00 shows fish on the thin side.
The attached figure shows the Kn for speckled trout of different length classes. In 2011, Kn tended to decrease with length class until the biggest fish, suggesting that the larger fish were able to make use of plentiful forage that the smaller fish could not eat, probably mullet too big for the smaller fish. However, in 2012, Kn continues to decline with length class, suggesting that forage that was available in 2011 was not available in 2012.
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